All eyes have been on the Stanford defense this week, as the unit gears up to take on Oregon's high-octane attack. Linebacker A.J. Tarpley, who started the season as a backup but earned Max Bergen's starting job as the season progressed, will be one of the most instrumental players in that effort.

Kicker Eric Whitaker was one of the unsung heroes of Stanford's 56-48 victory over USC last Saturday. Though he had a few errors on kickoffs, Whitaker converted every field goal attempt, going 6-for-6 on extra points and 2-for-2 on field goals.